ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Labour & Employment
100 MODEL CAREER CENTRES WILL BE OPENED IN THE COUNTRY: SRI BANDARU DATTATREYA, UNION MINISTER OF STATE  FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
-‘Youth are the future of the Nation’
-‘‘The Educational Policy should be formulated based on ethical values’’
- The Central Government is committed to controlling Narcotics usage by Youth: Union Minister
Union Minister of State  for Labour & Employment, Sri Bandaru Dattatreya had a meeting with Sri Pankaj Dwivedi, Deputy Superintendent, Narcotics Control Bureau, Hyderabad Sub Office today in Hyderabad and enquired about the usage of Narcotics and its influence on the health of the youth. While addressing Press Conference at Dilkusha Guest House in Hyderabad today, Sri Dattatreya condemned the usage of drugs by the youth. He opined that youth are the hope of the Nation and they should be protected from the consumption of drugs. Parents should also be alerted about the habits of children. The Union Minister appealed to the Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to take necessary measures for the control of sale and usage of narcotics. He appealed to the two Telugu States to formulate an educational policy based on the ethical values. The Minister ensured that he will speak to Sri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Home Affairs and Sri Arun Jaitley, Union Minister of Finance regarding the issue of usage of drugs and its controlling measures. He also appealed to the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh State Governments to formulate Anti-Drugs Taskforce. A separate system to control the sale and usage of drugs to be evolved, he said. The Telangana State Government should set up a separate institution for this purpose, the Union Minister suggested. The Transport Departments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states should take steps to contain the transport of drugs, Sri Dattatreya added. Narcotics Control Bureau has started an awareness programme titled “Naya Savera” for creating awareness on the use of drugs. The Telugu States should take necessary measures to avoid the pub culture, the Union Minister asserted. The drug abuse is also dangerous to internal security of the nation, he reminded. It is a disturbing trend that the youth are addicted to the use of drugs, a trend which has to be arrested. The Centre and State Governments should work towards sharing the information, the Union Minister said.
Sri Dattatreya said that the Central Government will open 100 Model Career Centres in the country under the National Career Service . The Government has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Posts for maintaining the NCS portal. 3.81 Crore job-seekers have registered in this portal. The content of 3000 courses posted in the portal. These career centres provide job skills, skill development, awareness, training for job matching based on Global Standards.
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Ministry of Science & Technology
DST supported startup develops affordable test kits for early diagnosis of Covid-19 in rural & resource constraint areas
A Mumbai-based startup is ready with its affordable Rapid Antigen Test that offers COVID 19 diagnosis & surveillance at the cost of Rs 100 per test.
The test developed by Patanjali Pharma will complement the gold standard RTPCR & Rapid antigen tests and make it one of the most affordable ones available in the market.
The Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis , an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology , supported the startup in July, 2020 to develop Rapid Covid 19 diagnostics .
Dr. Vinay Saini, Director, Patanjali Pharma, incubated the Startup in SINE, IIT Bombay, and developed the R & D lab as well as products within 8-9 months. They applied for the required licenses and evaluated and validated the products at different Covid Centres for knowing and further improving their efficacy.
“It was an amazing experience to do internal validation of our products in Covid 19 patients and Viral Transport Medium  samples containing nasopharyngeal swabs of Covid patients. I accompanied my team members for multiple evaluations of developed products at different covid sites in Mumbai to boost up their confidence,” Dr. Vinay Saini said, speaking about the journey of development of the product.
The startup plans to launch the rapid Covid-19 antigen tests in early June, 2021. The Rapid covid-19 tests  would be helpful for early diagnosis of Covid-19 in rural areas, doctor’s clinics, and resource constraint areas where pathology and diagnostic labs are not available. The test is affordable and would be helpful to control the pandemic.
Presently, they are working on Rapid Covid-19 antibody tests, Rapid TB Tests with DST SEED Grant & BRICS Countries, CRISPR based Covid 19 tests through Covid 19 Ignition Grant- Indo US Project under IUSSTF with University of Florida, USA).
For more details, Dr. Vinay Saini, Director, Patanjali Pharma Pvt Ltd, , can be contacted.
Special Service and Features
23 Nos. of Wild Life Species seized by Chennai Air Customs
Based on intelligence, Chennai Air Customs officer intercepted one female passenger, bound to Kuala Lumpur by Air Asia Airlines Flight no AK 13 on 28.04.2023. Upon examination, 23 nos. of wild life species were found concealed in their check in baggages and the same was seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
In another case officer intercepted one male passenger, arrived from Kuala Lumpur by Air Asia Airlines Flight no AK 13 on 28.04.2023, Upon examination, 20 Yellow Colour metal foils weighting 177 grams and two gold cut bits weighting 88 grams recovered which were concealed in his check in baggages and the same was seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
In total, 23 nos of Wild Life Species and 20 Yellow Colour metal foils weighting 177 grams and two gold cut bits weighting 88 grams recovered and seized under Customs Act, 1962.
Further investigation is under progress.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Release of publication “Handbook on Ethics for Insolvency Professionals: Ethical and Regulatory Framework”
Dr. Navrang Saini, Whole Time Member, IBBI , in presence of Ms. Natalie Toms, Chief Economist and Counsellor, British High Commission, released a publication titled “Handbook on Ethics for Insolvency Professionals: Ethical and Regulatory Framework”, in a webinar organised here today.
The Handbook prepared by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India in association with British High Commission is based on inputs on the best practices followed by the Insolvency Practitioners in the United Kingdom and aims to stimulate the highest standards of ethics and professionalism among the Insolvency Professionals. This Handbook serves as a ready reckoner and a tool to assist the insolvency professionals and other stakeholders in the insolvency ecosystem, for imbibing and practising an ethical code of conduct.
The Handbook details several aspects of professional ethics, including conflict of interest, independence, impartiality, objectivity and timelines, etc. in a comprehensive manner, and is expected to serve as an important knowledge product for development and percolation of standards of professional and ethical conduct for IPs enabling proactive compliances with utmost care and diligence.
The Handbook is in line with the ground realities of the Indian insolvency ecosystem and is expected to serve as a practical guide for IPs in discharging of their duties ethically and effectively.
In his address on the occasion, Dr. Saini, highlighted the importance of adherence to Code of Ethics for IPs taking into account the all-pervasive role of IPs in various processes under the Code. The launch was followed by the webinar on “Pre-Pack Insolvency Resolution Process: Report of the Sub-Committee of the ILC”.
The publication is available at www.ibbi.gov.in.
Ministry of Finance
Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs. 9,871 crore released to 17 States
Total Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs. 59,226 crore released to States in current financial year
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance on Thursday released the 6th monthly installment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit  Grant of Rs. 9,871.00 crore to the States. With the release of this installment, a total amount of Rs. 59,226.00 crore has been released to the eligible States as Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant  in the current financial year.
State-wise details of the grant released this month and total amount of Post Devolution Revenue Grant released to the States in 2021-22 is annexed.
The Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant is provided to the States under Article 275 of the Constitution. The grants are being released as per the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission in monthly installments to meet the gap in Revenue Accounts of the States post devolution. The Commission has recommended these grants to 17 States during 2021-22.
The eligibility of States to receive this grant and the quantum of grant was decided by the Commission based on the gap between assessment of revenue and expenditure of the State after taking into account the assessed devolution for the financial year 2021-22.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission has recommended a total Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs. 1,18,452 crore to 17 States in the financial year 2021-22. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 59,226.00 crore  has been released so far.
The States recommended for PDRD Grant by the Fifteenth Finance Commission are: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
State-wise Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grants Released
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S.No.
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Name of State
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Amount released in September 2021


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Total amount released during 2021-22

|1
||
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Andhra Pradesh
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|
1438.08
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|
8628.50
|2
||
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Assam
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|
531.33
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3188.00
|3
||
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Haryana
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|
11.00
|
|
66.00
|4
||
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
854.08
|
|
5124.50
|5
||
|
Karnataka
|
|
135.92
|
|
815.50
|6
||
|
Kerala
|
|
1657.58
|
|
9945.50
|7
||
|
Manipur
|
|
210.33
|
|
1262.00
|8
||
|
Meghalaya
|
|
106.58
|
|
639.50
|9
||
|
Mizoram
|
|
149.17
|
|
895.00
|10
||
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Nagaland
|
|
379.75
|
|
2278.50
|11
||
|
Punjab
|
|
840.08
|
|
5040.50
|12
||
|
Rajasthan
|
|
823.17
|
|
4939.00
|13
||
|
Sikkim
|
|
56.50
|
|
339.00
|14
||
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
183.67
|
|
1102.00
|15
||
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Tripura
|
|
378.83
|
|
2273.00
|16
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Uttarakhand
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|
647.67
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|
3886.00
|17
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West Bengal
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|
1467.25
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|
8803.50
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|
Total
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|
9,871.00
|
|
59,226.00
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 157.13 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 16.50 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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|

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SUPPLIED
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1,57,13,43,575
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|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
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|
16,50,88,086
More than 157.13 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 16.50 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves release of an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief due from 1.1.2020
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance  to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief  to pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2020. There will be an increase of 4 percent over the existing rate of 17 percent of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise.
The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs.12,510.04 crore per annum and Rs.14,595.04 crore in Financial Year 2020-21 . It will benefit about 48.34 lakh Central Government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners.
The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
MRPL hosts Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav seminar
Mangalore Refinery and St Aloysius College, Mangalore jointly organised a seminar called “ Striving for a Sustainable Tomorrow with Green Fuels.” This seminar was part of the series of activities planned by Ministry of Petroleum and natural Gas to commemorate 75 years of Indias Independence, “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
Speaking on occasion through an online platform, Shri Tarun Kapoor, Secretary P&NG, in his introductory speech, explained the significance of the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. He stressed the need to ensure the energy security of the nation, along with the need to ensure a sustainable future for mankind.
Shri M. Venkatesh Managing Director MRPL gave the introductory remarks.
The Seminar was Moderated by MRPL’s Director Refinery Shri Sanjay Verma who introduced the topic of sustainability and stressed upon the need to preserve mother earth for the future generations.
Dr Arun Isloor, HOD Chemistry of National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, Shri Prakash Kalbhavi ex-chairman of CII, Mangalore, SmtPomila Jaspal, Director Finance of MRPL and Shri Shyam Kamath, Group General Manager Technical Services of MRPL, presented on key topics related to the central theme.
The seminar ended with the Question and answer session, which was participated enthusiastically by the audience.
Top officials of MOPNG and Oil industry leaders and officials were present through the online platform.
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Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts search operations in Gujarat
The Income Tax Department initiated search and seizure operations on a prominent business group, engaged primarily in the manufacturing of stainless steel and metal pipes, in Ahmedabad on 23.11. 2021. The search operation covered more than 30 premises in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
During the course of the search operation, a large number of incriminating documents, loose sheets, digital evidence etc. have been found and seized. These evidences contain detailed records of the group’s unaccounted income on which due taxes have not been paid. A preliminary analysis of evidence indicates that the group is indulging in unaccounted sales of goods and scrap in cash which is not recorded in the regular books of account. Further, incriminating evidence of various malpractices such as unaccounted cash loans advanced and interest earned thereon, expenses incurred in cash, bogus expenses and purchases, unaccounted land investments etc. has also been unearthed. The deleted WhatsApp chat of a key person, detected during the search, revealed evidence of obtaining huge accommodation entries by the group to reduce its taxable income. Certain benami properties have also been identified.
The search action has resulted in the seizure of unaccounted cash of Rs. 1.80 crore and unexplained jewellery valued at Rs. 8.30 crore. So far, 18 bank lockers have been put under restraint. The search action has led to the detection of total unaccounted transactions exceeding Rs. 500 crore.
Further investigations are under progress.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Price of Onions is 22.36% lower than that of the last year: Centre
Onion buffer of 2.08 LMT built is being released in a calibrated and targeted manner to States/Cities, aggressive releases of onion from the buffer contributes to stability in prices
Retail price of Potato is Rs.20.58/kg, 6.96% lower than last month
Tomato price lower than last month
The all-India average retail price of Onion as on 17.02.2022 was Rs.35.28/kg which is 22.36% lower than that of the last year. Late Kharif onion arrivals are steady and expected to remain till Rabi arrival from March, 2022. The prices of Onion remained substantially stable during 2021-22 due to effective market intervention through Price Stabilisation Fund . Onion buffer of 2.08 LMT built in current year under the Price Stabilisation Fund  has been released in a calibrated and targeted manner to States/Cities where prices are increasing over the previous month and also to source markets such as Lasalgaon and Pimplegaon to augment the availability in these key mandis. Further, States/UTs had been offered Onion at Rs.21/kg ex-storage locations and Safal had also been supplied @Rs.`26/kg inclusive of transportation cost. The aggressive releases of onion from the buffer have contributed to stability in prices.
Similarly, the retail prices of Potato as on 17.2.2022 was Rs.20.58/kg, 6.96% lower than last month. Potato sowing has been delayed in southern part of West Bengal due to cyclone Jawad, however, the State reported that crop area has recovered almost to the level of last year. The total crop area for 2021-22 is estimated to be comparable with that of last year.
Under the Price Stabilisation Fund scheme, interest free advances are provided to States/UTs for creation of State-level Price Stabilisation Fund, on 50:50 sharing basis . So far six States, viz., Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal have drawn the advance and a total of Rs.164.15 crore has been released as Central share. These States have the funds and mandate to undertake necessary interventions for controlling prices of essential food commodities. Other States have also been requested to set up the PSF for State-level interventions to control price rise in essential food commodities.
The retail price of tomato has been on a decline during the past one month though it remained slightly above year’s level. As on 17.02.2022, the all-India average price of Tomato was Rs 26.69/kg which is lower than last month. As arrivals in north India will pick up pace and prices will go down further in the coming week. Arrivals in South India will also increase in the coming week and will pick up pace till end February.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition by HDFC Life Insurance Company of 100% shareholding in Exide Life Insurance Company Limited
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition by HDFC Life Insurance Company  of 100% shareholding in Exide Life Insurance Company Limited  under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002.
The Proposed Combination involves acquisition of fully paid-up equity shares, representing 100% of Target by the Acquirer from Exide Industries Limited. After completion of the share acquisition, Exide Life  is proposed to be merged with HDFC Life.
The Acquirer is a life insurance company registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India . It offers a range of individual and group life insurance solutions including participating, non-participating and unit linked insurance products. Its product portfolio comprises of various life insurance and investment products such as protection, pension, savings, investment, and annuity. HDFC Life has two wholly owned subsidiaries, namely, HDFC Pension Management Company Limited and HDFC International Life and Re Company Limited.
The Target is a registered life insurance company with the IRDAI. It offers various individual and group life insurance products including protection plans , savings and investment plans , retirement and pension plans. It does not have any subsidiaries.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Increasing Groundwater Level
Jal Shakti Abhiyan, 2019 and Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain , 2021 have shown positive impact for water conservation, groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting. While around 6.20 lakh water related works were completed and 12.36 crore intensive afforestation were carried out under JSA 2019, more than 46.70 lakh water related works were taken up along with more than 36.75 crore intensive afforestation activities under JSA:CTR 2021as on 25.03.2022. Water related works included rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional & other water bodies, reuse & recharge of structures & watershed development. Quantification of impact of these campaigns may not be precisely possible at this stage as the groundwater scenario is cumulative effect of rainfall, works under JSAs and other efforts of State Governments.However, beyond the physical works undertaken, these campaigns have generated huge awareness about conservation and other aspects related to water.
Central Ground Water Authority  has advised States/UTs to take measures to promote/adopt artificial recharge to ground water / rain water harvesting. CGWA grants No Objection Certificates  for ground water abstraction to Industries, Infrastructure units and Mining projects in feasible areas in certain States/UTs. Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020 has been prepared by Central Ground Water Board  in consultation with States/UTs which is a macro level plan indicating various structures for the different terrain conditions of the country. CGWB has taken up Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme to delineate aquifer disposition and their characterization for preparation of aquifer/ area specific ground water management plans with community participation. The management plans are shared with the respective State governments for taking appropriate measures/ implementation.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs  implements Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation  in municipal areas. MoHUA has formulated guidelines for the States to adopt measures suitable to local conditions, such as Unified Building Bye Laws  of Delhi, 2016, Model Building Bye Laws , 2016 and Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation  Guidelines, 2014.
“Jal Shakti Abhiyan : Catch the Rain” - 2022 has been launched by Hon’ble President on 29th March, 2022 which includes renovation of traditional and other water bodies as one of the interventions/ activities. It also envisages enumeration, geo-tagging of water bodies and preparation of scientific plans based on it. The campaign is being implemented during 29.03.2022 to 30.11.2022. Earlier Jal Shakti Abhiyans viz. JSA 2019 and JSA:CTR 2021 also focussed upon creation and renovation of water bodies. Repair, Renovation and Restoration  of Water Bodies scheme under Pradhan Mantri Sinchayee Yojana – Har Khet Ko Pani  is in operation to supplement the efforts of State Governments by providing technical and financial assistance.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.